It has been over a month since the book “Såsom I Himmelen, Så Ock På Jorden” (“As Above, So Below”) about Yngwie Malmsteen came out. The unauthorized biography about his, adolescent years. School, hobbies, struggle, drugs, love. Who did he play with, how many hours a day? What influences did he have? What possessed him to do the things he did? How did he finally make it? And what was he like before he became “Yngwie the guitar God”? Some people are fooled because of the way he appears and behaves. The tragic lack of humility maybe. But he is actually a very smart, funny and gentle guy.

I have kept my memories and diaries all of these years. Never had a reason to share or speak out really. But I changed my mind when Anders Tengner contacted me because I knew he would print out my words and nothing but nothing but the truth. Anders is a solid top rock journalist, actually the greatest one we have in Sweden and with an impeccable reputation and knowledge. Last but not least, he is a friend. Yngwie and me spent time at his apartment back in 1980/1981. He wasn’t at all after any dirt digging or rumor mongering. He simply wanted the truth and would not settle for any “maybies” or “approximate” dates. He made me empty my mothers whole cellar and attic to find the diaries to get exactly the right dates for all the things Yngwie did during the years we were together.

Still, I was nervous when the book finally came out. I was afraid of what I would read, what other people would say about him. Didn’t want my picture of him ripped to pieces nor his reputation slandered. What would his old close friends and prior band members say? The women he met after me. How bad was it? Would they bring all the dirt out to the open? So they did! Lots of very sad stories there. Very disturbing and depressing to read :(

But while I was reading it… I could not help thinking, that there are so many wonderful things also, that other people said and all the funny and crazy shit he did. I fold my self double laughing because I was there to experience it all and because he was just plain hilarious and fantastic! … Most of the time. It brought many personal memories back of course.

The part about our years together obviously moved people, because I have been inundated with beautiful messages and e-mails from strangers about my involvement in the book. I appreciate it very much that my words made some people understand a little bit more about the early years and parts of what was/is behind the character of Yngwie.

Take care and have a wonderful week :)

Oh … A lot of people are wondering if and when the book will come out in english. It sure will. I will keep you posted about the exact date!

Fittingly enough I also took the photo of Anders Tengner for the inlay of the book.

Anette “Nettan” Wallin is a friend and a customer of mine. I met her a year ago in the warm breeze of the Arabian sea on the Middle East in Oman to be exact. I was there to make a presentation on make up and styling on behalf of the independent hairdresser’s organization Big.Fam. Anette was one of the 40 girls there and we immediately found each other. She is just the kind of person you instantly love and find interesting and fun to talk to. We discussed a few themes she wanted to do for a photo shoot with me in the future. And nearly a year after she finally decided to make an appointment to bring her ideas to reality.

Nettan came down to Stockholm for the whole weekend, so we made plans for some fun. She took me to a concert to see her brother play, in Takida. We had a blast and after a late and fun night out she came down to the studio the following day as planned and we ended up doing a few different themes and change of outfits.

Nettan is a chief educator at Paul Mitchell Sweden, therefore the wonderful hair of fire she indulges us with.

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Who is Tallee Savage?

I will give you an insight into my life as a photographer, makeup artist, projects, journeys across the world, music, concerts, rockstars, models, animals, health, fitness, bellydance, vegetarianisms, politics, family, children…My life for anyone that is interested. Comments are appreciated!

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